A problem presented in your textbook asked you to look at five versions of the number "3" that were displayed at different orientations, and then identify which were backward. The point of the demonstration was that:

A) some people are better than others at mental rotation skills, which is why such problems are often used in intelligence or IQ tests.
B) rotating a mental image is similar to rotating an actual physical object, and just as it takes time to rotate a physical object, it takes time to rotate a mental image.
C) rotating a mental image is not the same as rotating an actual physical object; it takes much longer to rotate a mental image than the same physical object.
D) physically manipulating an actual object takes time, but manipulating a mental image happens almost instantaneously.

B). Rotating a mental image is similar to rotating an actual physical object, and just as it takes time to rotate a physical object, it takes time to rotate a mental image.

Explanation:

As per the question, the key idea behind the given demonstration of 'looking at five different versions of the number '3'....backward' to the students is to show how 'rotating a mental image is similar to rotation of an actual physical object as both the physical as well as mental image take time to rotate in a specific direction or order.' The students would be able to understand this when they would realize that 'rotating the different versions of the number 3(mental image) backward would take the similar time just as a physical object takes to be moved. Thus, option B is the correct answer.